discipline

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Home : 2004 : February : 12

discipline
By Michele

Hi! I'd go in Monday morning thinking "I've got control" and show it. I'm not sure what age you teach, but I've some tips that might work.

Start the first thing Monday. Be strict, ANY infraction = consequence. I've
started using a 5 color board, red (detention), yellow (warning), white (neutral), blue (good), and green (excellent). I've also used name on the board (I used smiley and frowny faces...I like to hit the positive also)...name was a warning, check is stay in from recess, double check is a visit with principal or a call home. In upper grades I've used D-slips, when a student misbehaves,

they fill out a slip with what they did and how they will change their behavior (during their recess time) and put it in their envelope, first one is a yellow, then red...same consequences as above.

I would start out Monday by using some type of reward for the day (or even half-day if your class is really misbehaving)n that they can earn (computer time, pencil, or whatever you choose.)

When you start the morning, greet the kids by stating that you and they are turning over a whole new leaf. Explain that the slate is wiped clean, so far everyone has the daily reward, it's up to them to keep it. Review the classroom rules, and start reprmanding them RIGHT AWAY. If Johnny stands up, move his clip, give a d-slip or whatever your discipline plan is, show that you are following through. On the other hand, make sure that for every negative action you see, find a positive one to bring attention to also...that way you'll keep the attention on the positive kids, not negative. Keep on them for the duration, when the day is up REWARD the kids who controlled their behavior while reminding the others why they didn't receive the reward. I'd shoot for just the top few kids receiving the reward, make them earn it by being good. I'd do this daily until the class was under control, then wean them from it. We send positive notes home when kids are REALLY good.

If you are having difficulty getting their attention, have a phrase or motion which tells them you want their attention. Ring a bell, flip the lights, etc. for your extremely busy kids, you could put them in charge of flicking the lights or ringing the bell on your signal to keep them attentive. PRACTICE this signal OVER AND OVER, turn it into a game of sorts, see who you can get to freeze first, and reward them. I re-teach the rules and my signal by spending 5-10 minutes at a time, 3-4 or more times a day, until I know that their response is automatic several times throughout the school year (every time they become slow to respond to it) They actually enjoy reviewing it, they think it's a game.

I'm not sure if these help you. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Michele